Slightly more attractive plugs

[didireallysaythat]

We're having a kitchen put in and a complete rewire and I fear the electrician will use the cheapest sockets he can find (lord help him if they aren't horizontal!). Any suggestions on online stores for these - including external garden sockets (to be on a cedar wood background).

Screwfix and similar companies like TLC ( www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/index.html) have a decent range of sockets in various metallic finishes.
However, if you want something a bit more stylish (aka expensive) have a look at www.livinghouse.co.uk/acatalog/electrical-sockets-and-switches.html
For outdoors you'll need sockets that are weatherproof; unfortunately, that means they are going to look a bit "industrial". Look for those rated IP 66, which means they are resistant to rain and dust

Do you want style, or do you want quality?

Style and quality aren't mutually exclusive; however, cheap sockets do tend to tend towards poor quality, especially many of the offerings on eBay.

I'd like both pj - who wouldn't !

I just thought discount electrical wholesalers offering might look naff on the stained cedar etc.

I hadn't considered eBay - just feels like you don't know exactly what you're getting

For quality, Crabtree are IMO the best you will find in retail outlets. MK have a good reputation but it was earned a long time ago and they have been cost-cutting and scrimping for many years. The cheaper brands are worse.

MEM will probably only be found in an Electrical supplier's but are favoured in commercial installations. Electrical wholesalers cater to all pockets.

All of these mostly do white but have a small selection of brass and chrome. You will easily be able to buy matching ones in future. They have full ranges of matching accessories.

You may see SP switches and sockets, DP switched is better (controls both L and N)

For outdoor sockets, MK and Crabtree enclosures are I think the best and seal tightly when closed on a plug and flex. Grey seems to tone well with external walls. The switched ones are slightly dearer than unswitched, but well worth having. I wouldn't bother with single sockets, get doubles.

Thank you both for your words of wisdom. I hadn't realised how much choice there is out there. I actually just want plain white but the house has a mixture of switches and plugs already and some just feel very cheap and almost brittle, so I don't want to add more to this ! Outside I know they will be a bit more "practical" looking but I still would like solid - ie not homebase's idea of a switch....

oops, MEM now branded as Eaton

I knew that really

And they have a new range with decorative clip-on covers, but I have no experience of them and not got the catalogue. There's a flyer here

I have to agree about Crabtree - I have them in my house!

I spent a small fortune on plugs for my kitchen. I insisted on white metal ones. TBH no one but me has ever noticed, I wish I'd gone with bog standard plastic and used the money for something else.

My friend recently bought some online from a company that lets you design your own online and pick the colour and finish you want. They look lovely and don't think they were too expensive. Www.naylorandfay.co.uk

We've just bought Varilight sockets & switches. DH is very particular and we're both happy.

Varilight dimmers have a good reputation, and TLC (link above, remove the trailing round bracket) stocks them. I have no knowledge of their other accessories.

Your electrician will be familiar with local wholesalers and may get a better price, and can be expected to guarantee/return and replace parts he supplies, but not stuff you've bought yourself.